Update to the DWP Provider Guidance

Dear Provider,

The latest version of the DWP Provider Guidance has been published. This is following a comprehensive review of the guidance, which took into account provider views about its presentation. The review has taken account of the new provision and programmes that have been introduced over the last few months, together with the cessation of a number of programmes.

You will see that the guidance is now in two sections: a generic section where the information contained applies across provision, and a section containing provision specific information, where you can find information that differs from, or supplements the generic guidance.

There are two brand new parts to the guidance: Part Four, which concerns Funding, has been produced in two sections, to provide separate information about the Standard Funding Model and Formula Funded provision. Part Four includes some information about the Provider Referral and Payment System, although detailed technical information is still to be found in the PRaP UPK/Tutor.

The second new part is Part 6, which provides detailed information about the department's Evidence Requirements, which will be fundamental to all provision and the work of the Provider Assurance Team. This guidance will be supplemented in the coming months by a new part on Assurance.

Other additions in the guidance are in updated information about Unacceptable Customer Behaviour in Part 2 of the guidance, and information about Marketing and Branding, and Sustainability, which will already be familiar to FND providers.

The live running teams for Flexible New Deal, Provider Led Pathways and Community Task Force are currently reviewing their detailed provision specific guidance in the light of live operational running developments and further updates will be issued and notified in due course. For example, you will see that the sections that apply to all provision will be replaced with links into the generic guidance for consistency. In the meantime please read the guidance specific to these programmes in conjunction with the generic guidance.

The next few months will see the introduction of new programmes and the closure of others. Additionally, as some external bodies such as Ofsted review their processes, further updates to that part of the guidance affected will be made to reflect those reviews.

Following the introduction of Performance Management Division organisational structures are changing. We will update the guidance to reflect how those changes will impact on your interaction with us. We will keep you informed of changes as they happen through regular updates and notifications.
If you have any concerns about the content of this update please speak with your regular DWP/Jobcentre Plus District contact, who will liaise with the appropriate policy team.

DWP Employment Group, Delivery Directorate - Provision Performance Division